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1876. 

Visitors' Guide 



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A z'isii to the National Capital is but half iiiMde.mils'ss it inchides, the 
home and tomb of Washington. — Everett. 



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WASHINGTON, D. C 
PRICE, 25 CTS. 



CmSON BROS.PRS. 



.^1 



An extensive traveller and witty friend of the writer 
sweepiugly declares that "Guide-books contain everything 
which one does not wish to know." 

With the hope that the brevity of the following pages will 
save this little Guide from even the suspicion of conveying 
undesirable information, the possessor is respectfully invited 
to peruse it first, and render judgment afterwards. 

It is simply designed as a practical assistant to the visitor 
to Movmt Vernon, all merely patriotic or j^oetic sentimentality 
being purposely avoided. * * * 



Copyright, 1876, by E. B. Johnston. 



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MOUNT yee:n^on, 

The home of Washington, is situated on the right bank 
of the Potomac, about seventeen miles southeast of the 
Capital, and is approached either by land or water. 
Part of the year it is a pleasant drive by private con- 
veyance, across the famous Long Bridge, via the in- 
teresting old town of Alexandria, and through a thickly 
wooded drive, six miles further on, to the old Porters' 
Lodges. The drive, after leaving Alexandria, is chiefly 
upon what formerly constituted the Washington Es- 
tate, whrch was a princely domain of 10,000 acres. 
However, very few persons are induced to take the 
drive, for daily, during the season, at 10 a. m., (Sun- 
days-excepted,) the 

STEAMEK ARROW 

leaves the Seventh-street wharf for the Mount Vernon 
landing, returning in the afternoon about five o'clock ; 
thus enabling visitors to pass several hours among the 
historic associations of the resting-place of Washington. 

The captain of the Arrow is not only an efficient, but 
considerate officer, neglecting nothing which may give 
comfort and pleasure to the patrons of his boat. 

The number of persons who take this trip during 



the 3^ear is very great, coming from every State of the 
Repubhc and from all civilized portions of the world. 
Even the Indian delegations are unwilling to pass before 
the iron door of the Tomb without pushing their tawny 
hands through the iron bars and pronouncing in sol- 
emn dignity the characteristic salutation, "How ! " 

Leaving the Capital, the first object upon the left 
bank of the Potomac is the 

UNITED STATES ARSENAL, 

the grounds of which are beautiful and well-kept. In 
1864 an explosion of cartridges and signal-rockets in 
the workshop instantly killed twenty-one young girls, 
to whose memory a handsome monument was erected 
in the Congressional Cemetery, by the citizens of Wash- 
ington. A sadder tragedy even than this casts its 
shadow here — the culminating horror of the assassina- 
tion of President Lincoln. 

Just across the Eastern Branch, which flows into 
the Potomac below the Arsenal, is the 

GOVERNMENT INSANE HOSPITAL ; 

and on the Virginia shore, not far distant, the Fairfax 
Theological Seminary forms a prominent feature of 
the landscape. This is often mistaken for "Fairfax 
Court-house," which, though near, is not visible from 
the river. 



Below the junction, on the Maryland side, is 

GIESBORO' POINT, 

famous, during the late war, as a Govei'nment corral 
for horses. A little beyond are the Naval Powder-Mag- 
azines, which were removed from the vicinity of the 
city in consequence of the danger to the Capitol in the 
event of an explosion. Below Giesboro' Point is the 
river terminus of the extension of the Baltimore and 
Ohio R.R. The first landing is at the town of 

ALEXANDRIA, 

where the old-style spire of " Christ Church," of which 
Washington was so long a vestryman, is readily iden- 
tified. On one of the principal streets leading from 
the river is a large hotel ; part of the rear of this 
building, a low section, with three dormer windows, is 
the old "Carey House," which was occupied as the 

HEADQUARTERS OF GEN. BRADDOCK. 

The room in which Col. George Washington made 
his last appeal to Braddock to forego the civilized 
methods of warfare in his projected battle with the 
Indians before the disastrous engagement of Monon- 
gahela, 1755, remains unchanged, and is well worth a 
visit. In this neighborhood is the "Marshall House," 
rebuilt upon the site of the one in which Col. Ellsworth 
was shot in 1861. 



6 

A short distance from Alexandria, at the month of 
Hnnting Creek, is 

JONES' POINT, 

where a Government Kght-house was estabhshed a few 
years before the war. 
The second landing is 

FORT FOOT, 

a strong earth-work, constructed during the war. 

FORT WASHINGTON 

is the last landing made before reaching Mount Vernon^ 
and is just four miles distant therefrom. 

Fort Washington was first called W^arburton, and 
its availability as a point of fortification was suggested 
to General AVashington as he viewed the elevated spot 
from the eastern portico of his home, about the year 
1790. It was blown up and abandoned in 1814 by our 
own forces, when the British troops passed up the 
river and captured Alexandria. From Fort Washing- 
ton is had a fine view of the Capitol, the grand Dome 
seeming to touch the sky. It was here that an Indian 
was so impressed by the beauty of that wonder of 
architecture that he exclaimed : " White man did not 
build it : God made it !" 



7 
From the same point we obtain our first glimpse of 

MOUNT VERNON. 

The Mansion House looks quite stately from the 
river ; being situated about two hundred feet above the 
water, its general effect is never disappointing. Im- 
mediately under the bluff upon which the Mansion 
stands is the reservation of five acres, which was for- 
merly used as a Deer Park. There is a proposal to re- 
establish this Park, and a gentleman from Virginia has 
generously offered to stock it with deer. This, with 
many other restorations and improvements, is only a 
question of time. On the river front of the Deer Park 
is a landing of historic interest. The commander of a 
British vessel during the Revolution sent a boat's crew 
ashore and demanded provisions, threatening in event 
of refusal to burn the Mansion. The frightened over- 
seer complied with the demand, thus preventing the 
destruction of the house ; but Washington wrote him 
a letter of reproof, which is still on record, ordering, 
in case of another attack, " to let everything be burned 
rather than give aid or comfort to the enemy." The 
main part of the wharf was constructed by Washing- 
ton, but it has been extended in consequence of the 
increasing shallowness of the river. From this wharf 
he used to load his barges with Hour ground at his own 
mill, the famous brand, " George Washington, Mount 



8 

Vernon," being so well known at the custom-houses as 
to pass without inspection. 

Visitors are met at the landing by the courteous 
Superintendent, and proceed up a rather fatiguing 
carriage-way to 

THE TOMB. 

Those who are not able to make this ascent of an 
eighth of a mile are provided with a vehicle. To the 
left of the road is a high, well-wooded hill-side abound- 
ing in trailing arbutus and other flowers. On the right 
is an open park, extending beyond the house. About 
half way up, in a small ravine, are several weeping 
willows, brought from the grave of Napoleon, at St. 
Helena. These vividly recall the immortal epigram- 
matic order issued by the First Consul to his army on 
the death of Washington, beginning with — 

"Washington, the friend of Liberty, is dead ! " 

The Tomb is a plain brick structure, familiar, through 
multiplied prints, to every school-boy in the land. It 
was built by Washington's executors, and in pursuance 
of a clause in his will designating the location, and 
saying, "it shall be built of brick." The front of the 
Tomb is unpretending, with wide, arching gateway and 
double iron gates, above which, upon a plain marble 
slab, is this inscription : 

" Within this enclosure rest the remains of 
" General George Washington. " 



9 

The anteroom to the vault is about twelve feet 
square, and here are seen the sarcophagi ; the one on 
the right containing the remains of General Washing- 
ton, and that on the left, those of Martha, his wife. 
In the vault at the rear repose about thirty of the 
family relatives — Washingtons, Blackburns. Corbins, 
Bushrods, Lewises, and Custises. 

To this vault the body of Washington was removed 
in 1831, in consequence of a general feeling of inse- 
curity, a man having broken into the old tomb and 
stolen a skull, wliich he claimed to be that of Wash- 
ington, but which proved to be of one of the Blackburn 
family. 

In the winter of 1832, Congress, for the second time, 
made an effort to effect the removal of Washington's 
body to the chamber under the crypt of the Capitol, 
originally designed for its reception. 

Adams, Clay, Webster, Thomas, and even Wash- 
ington's venerable biographer, Chief-Justice Marshall, 
were all earnest in their endeavors to secure this 
removal, the centennial anniversary of his birth being 
selected for the solemn occasion. The family, how- 
ever, was firm in refusal through respect for the well- 
known wish of the illustrious dead. The body was 
placed in the sarcophagus where it now rests, on the 
7th of October, 1837. The door of the inner vault was 
then closed, and the key thrown into the Potomac. 



10 

Over this door, on a plain tablet, is the inscription, 

''I AM THE Resurrection and the Life. He that 

" believeth in me, though he were dead, 

" yet shall he live. " 

The sarcophagus of Mrs. Washington is perfectly 
plain, with the simple words, 

MARTHA, 

Consort of Washington. 
Died May 21st, 1801 ; Aged 71 years. 

The sarcophagus of Washington is also plain, being- 
ornamented only w4th the United States coat of arms, 
upon a draped flag, under which is the single word, 

Washington. 

One of tlie talons of the eagle, in the coat of arms, 
was broken off during the civil war by some eager 
relic-hunter, which incident suggested the outer and 
higher gate. This was the only outrage committed at 
Mount Vernon, though the unarmed pickets of both 
armies often met before the tomb — here, and here only, 
met as brothers. At the servants' request they left 
their arms at whatever point they entered the sacred 
domain, which was frequently three-quarters of a mile 
away, at the old Porter's Lodge. 

THE OLD TOMB. 

The original Tomb of Washington is seen to the 



11 

right of the path to the house, and is surrounded by a. 
black raiHng. This spot commands an extended view 
of the river, and has not the sechided quiet of the one 
now occupied, which may have been the reason why 
Washington desired the removal of the family vault. 

"WASHINGTON OAK" 

There stands near the path to the house a magnifi- 
cent primitive oak, measuring twelve feet in circum- 
ference. Its wide shelter was a favorite resting-place 
of the retired chieftain, on returning from the wharf,, 
where he was in the habit of personally superintending* 
the loading of his barges. The '• Washington Oak " 
has lost some of its glory in a severe storm, but the 
new growth is rapid and very beautiful. 

OLD BRICK BAEN. 

The first building reached after the ascent is a larg'e 
old barn, erected in 1733 by Lawrence Washington, the 
brother from whom Washington inherited this estate. 
This commodious store-house was built of bricks 
brought from England. It has recently been re-roofed, 
and is in a perfect state of preservation. It will well 
repay a few moments of attention, as showing that 
the gentlemen of the '' old school " were not far behind 
the present time in their ideas of shelter, and that "a 
merciful man is ever merciful to his beast." 



12 
MANSION-HOUSE. 

The Mansion-House is a wooden structure, the sidino-g 
of which are cut and painted to resemble stone, The 
central and main part was built by Lawrence Washing- 
ton in 1743, and he called it " Mount Vernon," after 
his highly-esteemed superior officer in the British nav}^ 
the gallant Admiral Vernon. The corner-stone, with the 
initials " L. W.," the date, and Masonic emblems, may be 
seen in the cellar. This cellar is very ample, constructed 
according to the old-fashioned ideas of durability, and 
there seems no reason, with such a substantial founda- 
tion, why the building should not stand five hundred 
years, as well as one. 

The parts of the house known as the North and 
South extensions were added by General Washington 
1784-'5. The residence, as left by Lawrence Washing- 
ton, had been termed a "villa ;" as enlarged, with exten- 
sions, colonnades in front and back, by George Wash- 
ington, it was dignified as a " Mansion-House." Its 
length was ninety-six feet and its depth thirty feet. 

COLONNADES. 

The east piazza, or colonnade, extends the entire 
front of the house. It is fifteen feet wide and twentv- 
five feet high. Eight large square pillars support the 
roof, which is ornamented by a balustrade. It is paved 
with flags, brought from the- Isle of Wight, which are 



13 

twelve inches square and two and a half mches thick. 

The curved colonnades on the west side are covered 

ways leading from the extensions to the kitchen on 

one side, and on the other side to a house used by the 

head cook, and also affording accommodations for a 

clerk. 

KEY OF THE BASTILE. 

Entering the main hall from the east colonnade, the 
first object of interest is the "Key of the Bastile," 
w^iich hangs in a glass casket on the south wall, where 
it was placed by General Washington's own hand on 
the nail from which it has never been removed. 

This emblem of oppression was presented to the 
"great friend of Liberty" by Lafayette, immediately 
after the destruction of the Bastile, 1789, a compliment 
highly prized by Washington. In writing of it, the 
Marquis said : "• It is a tribute which I owe as a son to 
my adopted father ; as an aide-de-camp to my general ; 
as a missionary of liberty to its patriarch." 

This souvenir was confided to the care of that staiuich 
republican. Thomas Paine, who, being detained in 
London, consigned it to another person, together with 
a drawing of the Bastile, which had been ordered by 
Lafayette jnst previous to his command to demolish the 
old prison. Paine, in v»^riting to Washington, very 
happily says : " That the principles of America opened 
the Bastile is not to be doubted ; and, therefore, the 
key comes to the right place." 



14 
BEACKETS. KNOCKER, &c. 

On the north side of the hall are two ornainental 
lamp brackets. Above the door of the east parlor are 
the iron hooks upon which rested the favorite spy -glass 
of Washington, used by him in his earliest surveys of 
the Allegheny mountains and throughout his military 
career. The cjuaint wood-work wainscotings and de- 
signs of cornice and ceiling of this hall and the two 
rooms on either side — this being the old part of the 
house — will attract general attention. 

The ponderous old brass knocker on the west door 
of the hall, which has been lifted by so many illustrious 
guests, presents a dignified individuality, quite opposed 
to the giddy jingling bell of modern times. 

EAST PARLOR. 

In the east parlor is a large glass case of interesting 
relics, which, being labeled, tell their own special tales. 
Conspicuous among them is the first cast of Washing- 
ton's face, made by Houdon, on the taking of which, it 
is said, the old hero was more frightened than ever in 
a battle, as he declared he had never been in so much 
clanger from an enemy's ball. 

The large globe in this room was the property of 
Washington. The side-board is one of the original 
pieces of furniture used by Lawrence Washington, and 
was returned to Mount Vernon a few years ago by the 



15 

late Mrs. Robert E. Lee, who was the daughter of G. 
W. P. Ciistis, the adopted son of Washington. 

From the east parlor, the north extension is en- 
tered. This is the old 

STATE DINING-EOOM, 

and for its day was a princely salon. Lafayette, Roch- 
ambeaii, Hamilton, Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Richard 
Henry Lee, Elkauah Watson, Aaron Burr, Houdon, 
Charles Wilson Peale, the artists Trumbull and Pine, 
and many of the great Generals of the Revolution, hon- 
ored it with their presence. The high ceiling is white, 
and stuccoed with agricultural designs. An elaborately 
carved mantel-piece of Carrara marble, with Sienna 
marble columns, is the chief ornament of this room. It 
was wrought in Italy, and presented to Washington by 
Mr. Samuel Vaughan, an English gentleman. On its 
passage from Italy it fell into the hands of French pi- 
rates, who, upon discovering that it was intended for 
George Washington, sent it uninjured to its destina- 
tion. It has received less respectful treatment from 
unknown 

LAND PIRATES, 

for its delicately-carved figures and ornaments have 
been mutilated and broken by relic-hunters. Strange 
to say, this and other kinds of reckless desecration 
are constantly indulged in by persons who visit Mount 



16 

Vernon, in spite of the watchful care of the Superin- 
tendent and his associates. 

In front of the mantel, in a large glass-case, with 
heavy silver mountings, is a 

MODEL OF THE BASTILE, 

cut from one of the granite stones of the demolished 
prison — a recent contribution. The harpsichord, Wash- 
ington's bridal present to Eleanor Custis, still stands 
in this room. It was considered a very elegant article 
of furniture nearly a century ago, and cost a thousand 
dollars. The stiff chairs, the statel}^ sofa, and the slim- 
legged side-table comprise about all of the original fur- 
niture. The large plain chair, now kept in this room, 
in which Washington preferred to sit, came over in the 
Mayflower. On the mantel once stood three rare por- 
celain vases, made in India, and ornamented in London, 
which were sent to Washington by the same gentleman 
who presented the mantel-piece. They are now in the 
Patent Office. 

It would be a satisfaction to visitors if these and 
other articles of furniture and ornament could be re- 
stored to their places in the Mansion. 

The fine specimen of sea-weed on the mantel has 
been there at least half a century, having been placed 
in its present position by John Augustine Washington. 
The liquor-case in this room was presented by Lord 
Fairfax, between whom and Washington there existed 



17 

a peculiar friendship. Washington was only sixteen 
years old when he received a commission from Lord 
Fairfax, who was quite an old man, to make surveys of 
his property beyond the Blue Ridge. The young sur- 
veyor was so successful in this undertaking that he 
shortly afterwards received the appointment of Public 
Surveyor. 

The military equipments, holsters, etc., were those 
used by Washington in Braddock's campaign. Over 
the mantel is a fine copy of Stuart's Washington, and 
on the east wall a copy of Trumbull's portrait, repre- 
senting him in uniform, both pictures being the work 
of Lambdin, a Philadelphia artist. Beneath the latter 
hangs a frame containing an admirable eulogy, two 
copies of which were presented very recently to the 
ladies of the Association by Gen. Robert C. Schenck. 

" This tribute to the memory of George Washington 
was written at his grave in 1833 by Dr. Andrew Reed, 
an English philanthropist, and left by him with the 
ladies of the General's family. Dr. Reed asks : ' How 
could the people suffer Mount Vernon to pass into 
ruin ? Surely it is a thing impossible !' " 

Washington, 

The Brave, The Wise, the Good ; 

Washington, 

Supreme in War, in Council, and in Peace ; 



18 

Washington, 

Valiant . Discreet Confident 

without without without 

Ambition ; Fear ; Presumption ; 

Washington, 

In Disaster, Calm ; In Success, Moderate ; In All, 

Himself ; 

Washington, 

The Hero, The Patriot, -The Christian ; 
The Father of Nations, The Friend of Mankind ; 

who. 

When he had won all, renounced all, 

and sought, 

In the Bosom of his Family and of Nature, 

Retirement, 
And in the Hope of Religion, 
Immortality. 
On the west side of the room is the famous eques- 
trian portrait of Washington, by Rembrandt Peale, 
known as 



a 



WASHINGTON BEFORE YORKTOWN, " 



which was presented to the ladies of the " Mount Ver- 
non Association" in June, 1873, by the heirs of that 
distinguished artist. It is a rich possession and a ver\ 
elegant contribution. No other picture of the great 
man elicited so much apj)roval from his contemporaries. 



19 

and this valuable canvas could not be placed amid 
more harmonious associations. It is exceedingly well 
colored, and the drawing is full of vigor and grace. It 
presents the Captain in the zenith of his glory, and at 
a moment when all the force of the commander is called 
forth in the act of rebuking a subordinate for perilous 
neglect of duty. The accompanying portraits of Ham- 
ilton, Lafayette, Knox, Lincoln, and Rochambeau 
greatly enhance this picture. The elegant walnut 
frame of this painting was made from a tree grown 
upon the farm of Robert Morris, the financier of the 
Revolution. 

THE WEST PARLOR 

contains one of the original large mirrors, several steel 
engravings, and over the mantel-piece a panel picture 
of Admiral Vernon's engagement before Carthagena. 
This is sadly discolored by age, and a piece has been 
torn from the corner, (by a icomafi^ I am sorry to say,) 
but the fragment was recovered, and it is hoped that 
the painting can be restored. In this room is a col- 
ored plate of the Washington family coat of arms, with 
complete heraldic explanation ; which coat of arms 
also appears on the cast-iron back of each fireplace. 

SELECTION OF ROOMS BY THE ORIGINAL 
THIRTEEN STATES. 

This room (the west parlor) has been selected, but 



20 

not as yet fnrnislied, by the State of Connecticut. 
Each of the origmal thirteen States has the privilege 
of selecting- a room and placing in it whatever memen- 
tos or furniture may be contributed from that State, 
as having historic association. This opens a repository 
for valuable relics, and places them where they will be 
well cared for, and more generally seen than else- 
where; besides giving additional interest to the old 
home of Washington. Each State will have its coat 
of arms above the door of the room selected by it. 
The first door on the south side leads to the 

FAMILY DINING-ROOM, 

now used as a general reception-room. The only in- 
teresting relic here is an old mirror, the companion to 
the one hanging in the west parlor. There is a fine 
engraving of "Washington, on the field of Trenton, 
returning a salute," which was executed by Wm. Holl, 
from the painting by John Faed; also several small 
pictures and two very fine medallion engravings of 
General and Mrs. Washington, after Stuart's portraits. 
These were presented by Edward Everett to Miss 
Cunningham, the first regent, and a daughter of the 
"Matron of South Carolina," who, in conjunction with 
Mr. Everett, first awakened an interest in the purchase 
and preservation of Mount Vernon. 
Next east of this is the 



21 

COUNCIL-ROOM, 

Washington's former study or library, before the ex- 
tension was built. It is probable the description he 
gave his brother Lawrence — then in the AVest Indies — 
of the battle of Monongahela, was penned in this little 
room. It is a spirited description of a battle, and 
remarkable, as written by one of the chief actors in it, 
without mentioning his own name. It is accepted as 
the only authentic account of that sanguinary engage- 
ment written in America. 

Over the mantel is a portrait of Miss Cunningham 
by Lambdin, and over one of the doors hangs a steel 
engraving of Lord Chatham. Another engraving is 
that of Admiral Vernon, after a painting by T. Bard- 
well. It bears the following quaint inscription : 

" The Honorable Edward Vernon, Esq., Vice-Admi- 
*' ral of the Blue. Commander-in-chief of all his Majes- 
ty's ships in the West Indies." 

" To the Right Honorable Lord Mayor, the Court 
of Aldermen, and ye Common Council of ye City of 
" London, this plate is humbly dedicated by their most 
*' obedient servant, John Taber." 

The names (with amounts noted) of those who con- 
tributed the sum total of one thousand dollars for the 
restoration of the east colonnade, a few years ago, is 
framed, and hangs as a neat memorial upon the walls 
of this room. 



it 



ii 



22 

It is the felicitous purpose of the ladies of the Asso- 
ciation that the coats of arms of all the States be 
placed here. Several have already been sent. The 
great seal of Wisconsin, beautifully carved in wood, is 
placed over the south door. Should each State send 
its requested tribute in a sj^ecial wood, (of course of 
its indigenous growth,) carved in the best style, the 
effect of the diverse and yet harmonious emblems wdll 
Ije unique and beautiful. 

THE LIBRARY. 

Through a small hall, the Library, or south exten- 
sion, is reached. This room was designed by Washing- 
ton, and is so plain as to seem to have no design at 
all. It is square, and has two large windows opening 
to the floor, which lead to the south portico. This 
portico has very recently been replaced, and so very 
exactl}^ does it resemble an old structure that it is 
thought by many to be the original one. From it a 
fine view is had of the river and the lawn, embracing 
both tombs. 

In the Library is a large case with glass doors, filled 
with Mount Vernon records, which can here be pur- 
chased, and should be read all over the country in or- 
der that the people may duly comprehend the efforts of 
the energetic ladies who have secured Mount Vernon 
sacred to the memory of Washington forever. 



23 

The Library is deceptive ; it is not so meaningless, 
with its simple wainscoting, as it seems. It is a room 
within rooms — in a word, three sides of it are closets ; 
seventeen are known — panel closets for silver, little 
closets in corners near the floor aiid near the ceiling — 
closets within closets. 

There is none of the original furniture here, and 
nothing of interest save a fine plaster-cast of the head 
of Lafayette, probably a copy of the bust ordered by 
the Virginia Legislature, 1786, from Houdon, to be 
put in the Capitol at Richmond. 

STAIRWAY. 

The stairway leading from the main hall is broad, 
but severely plain. It is divided into three sections. 
On the first landing is the old hall clock, which stood 
there during Washington's life. 

LAFAYETTE'S ROOM. 

(New Jersey.) 

The first room on the left, opening into the upper 
hall, is known as the "Lafayette Room," in honor of 
the Marquis, who occupied it on both of his visits to 
Mount Vernon. It is chosen and furnished by the 
Vice-Regent of New Jersey for that old State. The 
dressing-case, looking-glass, and bureau were placed 
there when the room was fitted up for its distinguished 



24 

occupant ; also, one of the small tables, covered with 
rich silken brocade. The other, beautifully embroid- 
ered with Masonic emblems and the New Jersey coat 
of arms, is more recent. On the dressing-case is a pair 
of antique bronze candlesticks, used by Washington 
at Morristown. There is a very elegant screen, frame 
of mahogany, and capped with marble, with fluting of 
delicate silk. Upon the walls is a small " fruit piece," 
embroidered in silk, a contribution by the descendant 
of the fair dame who so deftly worked it during 
Revolutionary years. 

There is an engraving of Stuart's full-length portrait 
of Washington, from the picture which was painted for 
the Marquis of Lansdowne, engraved by Ormsbey. 

There is also an engraving by Buttre, after Woolas- 
ton, from the portrait of Martha Washington, knoT\Ti 
as the "Bride of Mount Vernon." It is a wonderfully 
beautiful face, with the well-drawn eyes for which this 
artist was distinguished in his pictures of women, but is 
often criticised because it gives her the effect of being 
a tall woman, by reason of a false perspective of land- 
scape, as she is presented as having just stepped from 
the east colonnade of Mount Vernon. 

A very fine engraving by Lereoux hangs over the 
mantle. It is from the portrait of Lafayette by Ary 
Scheffer. It was taken from that fine portrait of the 
Marquis which his artist friend painted while visiting 



25 

him at La Grange, and presented to the United States 
Government in 1822, and which now hangs in the Hall 
of Representatives. 

The second door is the Pennsylvania Room. The 
furniture herein was all used by Washington. Over 
an old desk hangs an engraving of the sitting statue 
of Washington, ordered by the State of South Caro- 
hna from Canova. Washington is presented in the 
costume of an old Roman, holding in his hand a stone 
tablet, upon which he has begun to inscribe laws ; and, 
vs^ith bared head, he is leaving in the past the chieftain 
and becoming the statesman. 

The inscription is — 

" GioGio Washington. 
"Alia Grande Nazione degli Stati Uniti di Americo. 

"Antonio Canova." 

The small room on the east front of the hall was se- 
lected by the Vice-Regent of Delaware, and it is fur- 
nished w4th revolutionary relics. The coat of arms of 
this State is above the door. The coat of arms of 
Maryland, over the door on the south side of the hall, 
indicates what State has chosen this room. It w^as 
formerly occupied by Eleanor Custis, and contains the 
same articles of furniture with w^hich it was fitted up 
for that 3'oung lady. 



26 

THE KOOM IN WHICH AVASHINGTON DIED. 

Passing through a large room, which is to be used as 
a repository of relics, and then a small hall, the room 
in which Washington died is entered. It is a medium- 
sized bed-room. On one side is the large fireplace, in 
w^hich is observed the Washington coat of arms. On 
the west side is a dressing-room, and an ample linen 
closet; on the south are two large wdndows, sliding 
Ipack into the wall and reaching to the floor. They 
open upon the top of the portico and command a beau- 
tiful view\ 

The bedstead is a fac slni'de of that on which the 
hero died, and was often slept upon by him. The one- 
which formerly stood here was literally cut to bits by 
the small relic-hunter, and it is a mortifying comment 
upon the travelling public that it is found absolutely 
requisite to have a guard in this room whenever opened. 

There are here several stands which were used in 
this room ; and the old bureau, which the zealous public 
has deprived of its last brass knob ; a pair of stately 
large andirons in the old fireplace ; and a portrait of 
Washington, presented by Mrs. Judge Ball, of Vir- 
ginia, though it does not reflect the generally accejDted 
idea of that great man. On the wall is an interesting 
relic — a newspaper, published in Alexandria, and the 
one in which w^as the first annomicement of the death 
of Washington. Its decorous utterances of most pro- 



27 

found grief are quite Addisonian, and are a phase of 
the stilted ceremonial of the times. Virginia has very 
appropriatel}^ selected this room in which her greatest 
son died. A small stairway leads to the room above^ 
used by the 

WIDOW OF WASHINGTON 

from the day of his death until May, 1801, two years 
after, when she, too, died. 

This room has one piece of the original furniture^ 
the small plain mahogany wash-stand; but it has re- 
cently been very elegantly refitted by Mrs. Mitchell 
Vice-Regent from Wisconsin. Every piece of furniture 
has been reproduced in mahogany. The carpet, which 
was of home manufacture, has been imitated in hand- 
some velvet by the cunning of the best looms of France 
at great cost. The old gay calico bed-hangings are 
copied in softest and most expensive woollen cretonne, 
and lined with rose-colored rep-silk. These hangings 
are finished with fringe and caught with heavy cord and 
tassels ; the same rich covering of cretonne is on the 
old style chairs ; the pillow-cases are reproduced with 
an embroidered crest, and the initials, M. W. Upon a 
Bible-stand in the room is the coat of arms, with motto, 
" Exit'iis acta prohaty The same style ebony work- 
box which used to be upon Mrs. Washington's bureau, 
and a pair of small white French vases, with a simple 



28 

spray of rose-colored hyacinth upon them, which sat 
on either side of the work-box, are reproduced. 

During the two years she survived her beloved hus- 
band the lonely mourner passed most of her time by 
the window of this room, with often no other compan- 
ion than her pet cat, for the convenience of which a 
corner of the door had been cut off, enabling the dumb 
friend to come and go. There, in a room without fire, 
even in winter, but tenderly cared for by domestics, 
she sat by the window, because from it alone could 
she command a view of her grand husband's resting- 
place : 

' ' Gazing through the morning's light, 
At noon-tide, looking fondly down — 
Peering forth in sombre night — 
Or when the leaves are green or brown : 
Or when the snow soft shrouds the mound, 
Where lies the sleeper under ground." 

" Looking and longing ever there, with faith 
That in some golden hour, his spirit, robed 
In drajoery of light, and wdnged with love, 
Should come to her with blessings in his eyes, 
And sweetly feed, with old-time rapturous smiles. 
Her famished soul. O, wondrous, wondrous Love I 
Which dieth not with death, nor yet hath life 
Save w^ith the living. Thou Mystery of Universe I" 

CUPOLA. 

There are five small rooms on the third floor, which 
have not yet been selected by States. These rooms 
are half stories, and are lighted by dormer windows. 



29 

From the small square hall is a winding stairway to 
the cupola, which is octagonal. 

The view from this elevation is sweeping and grand. 
The Potomac seems almost to surround the estate in 
its majestic bend. Ft. Washington appears to have 
drawn nearer. Looking west, the Virginia hills are 
beautifully defined, and three-quarters of a mile away 
is seen the old porter's lodge, which marks the bound- 
ary of the present estate. Leading to that, from the 
lawn gate, is an avenue, spoken of by Lossing as be- 
ing a pleasant drive in former days. From this the 
undergrowth has been recently removed and the trees 
trimmed, so as to leave an unobstructed view of the 
lodge ; and it is proposed to soon restore " the pleasant 
drive," by gravelling this avenue. 

WEST LAWN. 

Leaving the house from the west door, the interest 
that Washington personally bestowed upon domestic 
claims is fully realized. All that could contribute to 
the happiness of his dependants or the pleasure of his 
friends was a matter of conscience with him. Agricul- 
ture in its higher and lower branches was an endless 
source of delight to him. 

From either extension on the west side there is a 
curved colonnade ; on the right side is the "'Office," a 
house a story and a half high, a room of which was also 



30 

used to cook the great dinners in, as the tipphances of 
a large fireplace indicate. On the left side is the family 
kitchen, where the daily meals of the family, white and 
black, were prepared. The immense fireplace, '' the 
crane," the low Dutch range, show that the require- 
ments of the cook were not small or unheeded. In this 
room, (also in tents outside,) a good and a reasonable 
lunch can be had by all the visitors, while, from a sband 
near the door, views of Mount Vernon are sold. Out- 
side of the kitchen door on the south side is the 
old well, from which it was the pride of " Westford," 
an old body-servant of Washington, to hand to visitors 
a cup of cold water. The last old servitor has long 
since gone the way of all the earth. Near this side of 
the kitchen is an old " milk-house," " meat-house," and 
'' laundry," while on the east slope is the site of the 
old " summer-house," the first '' ice house," with 
'•spring-house" below. These last three have fallen 
into ruin, but will doubtless, in course of time, be re- 
stored. On the west side of the kitchen is the " but- 
ler's house," at the corner of which stands the famous 
magnolia, (grandifiora,) planted by Washington the 
year of his death, 1799. It has attained unusual pro- 
portions for the climate, and yearly puts forth its 
creamy bloom. The leaves of this tree have been 
taken as mementos to every part of the civilized globe. 
The west lawn is a driving park, the curved drive 



31 

serving not merely for general approach to the house 
from the arched gateway at the beginning of the ave- 
nue leading to the porter's lodge, but this drive being 
more than a half mile in circumference afforded dis- 
tance for a pleasant ride, and the thicket of trees on 
either side gave all needed protection, and was not in- 
fi^equently used for children or invalids of the house- 
hold. 

The trees of this thicket were selected by Washing- 
ton, and many of them planted by him when a young 
man. His care of them never flagged. They are hem- 
locks, Spanish chestnut, poplar, gum, mulberry, aspen, 
pine, beech, Kentucky coffee tree, all in a flourishing 
state, testifying the early care he gave them. 

FLOWER GARDEN. 

On the right side of the lawn is the flower garden ; 
on the left side the vegetable garden. Each of these 
was flanked by a large orchard. 

On the right and left, near the entrance of this driv- 
ing-park and lawn, are tw^o octagonal rifle-towers, built 
very early for defence against Indians, as their em- 
brasures for riflemen indicate. 

Four magnificent trees, each of its kind perfect, 
guard the entrance to the flower garden. Tw^o are 
ash and two are poplar, or the American tulip tree. 
They were planted by Washington v^ith exact measure- 



32 

nient, and have, in a century, done wonderful credit 
to his care. 

Immediately within the flower garden are four very 
large caly can thus trees, or sweet shrub. These were sent 
to Washington by Thomas Jefferson as a great novelty 
in his day. John A. Washington, when they were a 
generation old, named them after the four Presidents 
who, in regular rotation, succeeded his illustrious 
uncle — Jefferson, Adams, Madison, and Monroe. 

The flower garden is bordered and divided by hedges 
of box, {buxtis suffriiticosa,) preserved in the exact 
designs in which they were planted by Washington. 
Some of them seem to have been intended for initials 
of names, and others Masonic emblems. 

On either side of the main walk in this garden is a 
species of hydrangea, which was brought over by 
Lafayette in his visit in 1825, and by him planted in 
his old friend's garden. This came originally from the 
grave of Napoleon. It is a hardy, beautiful flowering 
shrub. 

Through the garden is scattered a large number of 
rare plants, some very old, and others recently con- 
tributed. 

Mr. W. W. Corcoran, who, as all the world knows, is 
best pleased when doing a good and a graceful thing, 
has given to the Association a large number of rare 
foreign evergreens — Austrian pine, Swiss pine, Norway 



33 

fir, European silver fir, golden arbor vit^e ; also, a 
handsome variety of rhododendrons from the same firm 
in London which has received such merited atten- 
tion at the CenteDnial Exposition. This valuable 
contribution was planted under the supervision 
of Mr. Wm. Saunders, the eminent horticulturist. 
There are handsome Cape myrtles, shrub magnolias, 
century plants, intermixed wdth the simplest mod- 
est flowers, from daisy to lily. Large numbers of 
the rose called " Mary Washington " are yearly raised 
and readily sold, some years as many as three hundred. 
This rose, a seedling raised by General AVashington 
and named for his mother, is a delicate tea-rose, and 
quite an acceptable souvenir to the visitor. At the 
end of the central walk is the new greenhouse, built 
and supplied by an appropriation from Congress. This 
stands on the site of the original Washington conser- 
vatory, which was destroyed by fire December, 1835. 
On this disastrous night very few of the rare plants 
were saved, among them a large bearing lemon tree, 
a century plant, and a Sago palm. Of these there only 
can be seen part of the body of the cherished old palm, 
though there is a hardy young growth from it. 

In the greenhouse the visitor has op]3ortunity to 
select a remembrance of Mount Vernon, and will 
have the satisfaction of knowing that the small sum re- 



84 

quired for the bouquet or plant goes into the revenue of 
the Association. 

SOURCES OF REVENUE. 

" The entrance fee " is one of the chief sources of 
revenue to the Association, and is embraced in the fare 
paid for the trip to and from Mount Vernon. A like 
small amount is expected from those who enter the 
west lawn, or either side, by land. The greenhouse is 
another important source of revenue. The lunch-table 
adds to the income ; also, the sale of photographic views, 
and of the authenticated " Will of Washington," and 
" The Mount Vernon Record." 

Lossing's handsome volume, " The Home of Wash- 
ington," can be bought here. This work is thus grace- 
fully dedicated by the author : 

"To HIS 

Patriotic Counteywomen, 

BY whose efforts 

The Home and Tomb of Washington 

have been rescued from 

Decay." 

Many little incidents detailed in its pages give the 
domestic character of Washington, and its concise 
descriptions of the manners and customs of a century 
ago are clear and life-like. 

The products of the farm, the raising of fine cattle, 



35 

the cultivation of fruit of all kinds, especially new va- 
rieties, are, more than all other means, relied on to keep 
the estate in the order required by the " Act to author- 
ize the purchase of Mount Vernon," which act passed 
the Virginia Legislature unanimously, March 17th, 
1856. 

The amount paid for the estate of two hundred acres 
was two hundred thousand dollars. 

Of this sum $08,494.59 was a contribution from the 
late Hon. Edward Everett, the proceeds of his great 
lecture upon the " Life and Character of Washington," 
and his writings for the N'ew York Ledger. 

A section in the " By-laws " of the Constitution of 
the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union 
may have interest to many : 

'' 3d. Any American lady, being a citizen of the Uni- 
" ted States, from whom the Regent, or any of the 
" Vice-Regents, the Secretary, the Treasurer, or any 
" local board, may for that purpose receive or recognize 
" the receipt of the sum of one dollar, shall be a mem- 
" ber of the Association ; and the payment of the fur- 
'' ther sum of one dollar on or before the 22d day of 
" February in any year shall entitle a member to at- 
" tend and vote at the Annual Meeting of the Associa- 
" tion of that year." 

SUPERINTENDENT. 

The office of Superintendent is by no means a sine- 
cure. Not only the daily reception of guests during 



36 

the season of ten months devolves on him, (the number 
not unfrequently as large as two hundred,) but the 
care of the farm, orchard, garden, greenhouse, and all 
other sources of revenue, comes under his personal and 
responsible supervision. The Association may be con- 
gratulated for enjoying, in its Superintendent, the serv- 
ices of a gentleman of urbanity, patience, and integ- 
rity. 

MT. VERNON'S FUTURE. 

Doubtless the "pilgrimage " to Mount Vernon is yet 
in its incipient state. As the old homestead recovers 
fi'om its long neglect; as intended restorations and 
suggested improvements are yearly made ; as the con- 
tributions of interesting relics increase — and especially 
as it is not only known, but realized, that a clause in 
the act passed by the Virginia Legislature secures this 
spot forever sacred to Washington — will the interest 
be more universal and the visitors increase. 

Clause 4th of the act is as follows : 

" The said property herein authorized to be pur- 
chased by the said Mount Vernon Ladies' Associa- 
tion of the Union shall be forever held by it sacred 
to the Father of his Country ; and if, from any cause, 
the said Association shall cease to exist, the property 
owned by said Association shall revert to the Com- 
monwealth of Virginia, sacred to the purposes for 
which it was originally purchased." 



u 
u 



37 

The sentiment prompting by far the larger number 
to visit the home and tomb of Washington is that of 
reverential admiration for the chieftain's life and char- 
acter. 

THE TOLLING BELL 

of each passing steamer, as it reverberates from hill to 
hill, but re-echoes the voice of all ages and all people 
in doing honor to such greatness as is found in the life 
of George Washington. 

Occasionally the refined are shocked by the out- 
spoken, would-be witty utterances of the thoughtless 
and the coarse, even upon a spot that should, at least, 
command respectful observance. 

However, this little Guide is not intended to be a 
vehicle of reproof or sentiment, but simply an assistant 
to the visitor, and possibly a memorial of Mount Ver- 
non. 

THANKS. 

To "The Southern Matron," and "The Northern 
Orator," first belong thanks unceasing for the purchase 
and care of the home and tomb of Washington. To 
the Regents and Vice-Regents for their unflagging en- 
ergy and devotion is due a second and increasing debt 
of grateful approval. 




POINTS OF INTEREST IN WASHINGTON, D. C. 

Executive Mansion, Pennsylvania Avenue, between 
Fifteenth and Seventeenth sts. 

State Department, Seventeenth st., between F st. 
and New York Avenue. 

Navy Department, Seventeenth st., oj^posite F st. 

War Department, Seventeenth st., corner Pennsylva- 
nia Avenue. 

Treasury Department, Fifteenth st., corner Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue. 

Interior Department, F st., between Seventh and 
Ninth sts. 

Post-Office Department, E st., between Seventh and 
Eighth sts. 

Department of Justice, Freedman's Bank Building, 
1507 Pennsylvania Avenue. 

Department of Agriculture, on the Island, opposite 
Thirteenth st. 

Bureau of Education, 711 Eighth st*, north of Patent 
Office. 

39 



40 

Patent Office, F st., between Seventh and Ninth sts. 
Congressional Printing Office, corner N. Caj^itol and 

H sts. 
National Observatory, E st. north, opposite Twenty - 

third st. west. 
Navy Yard, on Eastern Branch, foot of Eighth st. 
Arsenal, foot of Four-and-a-half st. west. 
Coast-Survey Building, New Jersey Avenue, south of 

Capitol. 
Smithsonian Institution, on the Island, opposite Tenth 

st. 
Congressional Cemetery, one mile east of Capitol. 
Washington Monument, Fifteenth st. 
U. S. Botanic Gardens, between First and Third sts., 

west. 
Masonic Temple, corner Ninth and F sts. 
Columbian Institution for the Blind, Kendall Green. 
Providence Hospital, corner Second st. east and D 

st. north. 
Corcoran Art Gallery, Seventeenth st. 
Soldiers' National Cemetery, Virginia side of Poto- 
mac river, opposite Georgetown ; reached via Long 

and Aqueduct bridges. 
Soldiers' Home, reached via Seventh-street road. 
Howard Institution, Seventh st., beyond Boundary. 

Mount Vernon, seventeen miles down the river. Coach 
leaves Willard's Hotel to connect with steamer 

ABKOW, 

which leaves Seventh-st. wharf daily, at 10 o'clock a. m. 



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